Essex Scratchcard millionaires tell all two years on

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When Susan Richards from Billericay popped into her local supermarket on the way home from a night shift in 2016, the care-worker had no idea that split-second decision would make her a multimillionaire. Almost two years, and lots of fun later, Susan and her partner of 12 years, Barry Maddox, took time out aboard their latest acquisition, a spanking new motorhome, to look back at that lucky day.

Scratchcard millionaire Susan, 51, can remember exactly how she felt the morning she discovered her win – exhausted. She explains, “Both Barry and I were working really hard, week in week out, to make ends meet and I’d just finished a long night shift.”

Not one to usually buy £10 National Lottery scratchcards, the Essex mum found exactly £10 change in her pocket and decided it was a sign. “I revealed the £3 million win while sitting in my car and had to go inside and ask the manager to confirm I was right.”

Meet the Scratchcard millionaires two years on

Life Changing

From that moment on Susan and Barry have been able to take things a little easier and treat themselves, and so many of their friends and family, along the way.

“The day after the win was verified we went into a local garage and bought four brand new Audi’s, my beloved TT convertible, a Q7 for Barry and then a couple of cars for my sons. It was an amazing feeling and just the start of so many great moments that have followed.

“I’ve been able to help my sons onto the property ladder and bought a place for mum right on the seafront in Southend so she can enjoy sea views from the comfort of her lounge. That win also meant Barry and I were able to buy our own dream home with plenty of room for hosting family and friends whenever we like.”

Travel

The couple have also been able to travel, taking numerous European trips plus visiting Barry’s sister in Australia and more recently taking Susan’s mum on a Norwegian cruise in search of the Northern Lights.

“Barry and I always liked to travel but every trip had to be planned and saved for. Now if we see somewhere we think would be nice to visit, we can just book knowing the money is in the bank. That said, our new motorhome is definitely helping us to explore much more of our own country. We’ve only had it a few months but there really is no stopping us, we’re away as often as possible and we’ve really fallen in love with the UK all over again.”

Amazing little card

While living lottery dream, the pair still keep their feet on the ground. Barry has taken a job with a kitchen-fitting firm while Susan continues to care for a young lady locally.

“We could have stopped working altogether but that’s just not our style. Admittedly we’ve cut down our hours, which gives Barry a little bit more time to work on his golf handicap and me time to look after my little granddaughter one day a week so plenty of extra joy for us both.”

And the popular couple aren’t just putting their joy first. As well as supporting the charities that mean so much to them including Essex Air Ambulance, Marie Curie and British Legion, they have also volunteered at a number of lottery projects since the win and continue to surprise those around them. Barry said the win really is much more than just treats and holidays.

“Family and friends mean so much to us both. Being able to share the win, helping some people pay off debts and others just enjoy a little financial boost has been magic and a feeling we can really recommend! It’s amazing to think that a little card could bring so much joy, but it really has.”

8th December, 2017

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